Restoration
A bridge is only repaired,
when someone falls into the water’
– African proverb
We just got back from a road trip, over 1,000 kilometres along South Africa’s Route 62, over the Swartberg Pass and into the Karoo, a semi arid desert region; cloudless skies, gigantic aloes and vast open space.
That gives you a lot of space to think. Time to reflect. If this year had a theme, for us it would be this: Restoration.
We’ve spent so much of this year fixing things; repurposing and renewing old pieces of furniture and reconditioning items after water damage. Repairing rather than replacing makes sense, as part of a slower, simpler life.
The act of restoring has always had appeal; working to breathe new life into something. Revival.
I recently restored this French, oak barrel, bought at a local wine estate a few years ago. It had done its work some time ago, storing about 300 litres of maturing Merlot. Since then it’s rested in our home. But it was tired and faded. It lacked lustre. I used an ebony tint to revive it. And while I worked, I wondered, have I needed some restoration too?
Thinking back, we can remember colleagues in Zambia using degrees of O.K
“I’m not very O.K”
“I’m a bit O.K”
“I’m O.K”
“I’m very O.K”
I think that I’ve been “a bit O.K” for most of the last 22 months.
Not much compares to the loss of a parent that you adored; the person in a family who really got you. The one who encouraged you to be you.
Over the last 22 months there have been huge highs and lows. Like everyone, we’ve knuckled down and lived with restrictions. We made a trip to the home that my parents shared, to visit my mother, knowing that I would see my dad’s empty chair.
This is a great place to feel a kind of connection to my dad. We came to Cape Town exactly 20 years ago. We shared our first Cape Christmas. My dad instantly loved it all; the heat, the space and the laid back vibe. He researched properties. Sadly, his idea of a retirement dream on The Fairest Cape never materialised.
My dad was fascinated with the penguins at Boulders Beach and the baboons at Cape Point. He enthusiastically grabbed the opportunity to tour the S.A Navy ship in Simon’s Town. He enjoyed Western Cape Pinotage and Shiraz wines.
And so I see him here. I can take comfort in remembering that time shared.
I’ve heard some people talking about the Coronavirus pandemic, and parroting the mainstream media; “we have to learn to live with the virus”. That’s been easy. Learning to live with loss is something else. Grief is such a journey.
Some people talk of healing and think that our energy system speaks to us, that masters and mystics can help us to heal.
Do you think that places can hold healing powers too?
This has always been our place to heal. After every knock in recent years, we have always retreated here, to this unique corner of the luminous continent, deep in the bottom of Africa. The Mother City nurtures like no other.
Restoration of any kind is a process. There are steps to take, on the road to repair. I look forward to feeling “very O.K” again.
It’s been quite a journey to get back to Cape Town. We couldn’t be happier to be here. And we’re looking forward to a special Cape Christmas.
Wishing you all a joyful festive season, wherever you are. May you get to share time with those that you love. And after the challenges of your year, may you find the restoration that you need too.
© Maggie M / Mother City Time